Microbar has 'LA, New York and Miami feel'

LADERA RANCH – A new restaurant has opened in Ladera Ranch, offering specialty martinis and small eclectic dishes inspired from Italy and Spain, said owner Steven Dickus of Coto de Caza. He opened the doors to Microbar in the Mercantile West shopping center last week after renovating the restaurant location he took over after Infusion Restaurant and Martini Bar closed.

"It's a sexy, LA, New York and Miami feel of lounge," Dickus said of his new venue. "Adults need a place to play themselves. Ladera absolutely needs something like this."

The 40-item menu offers a variety of small plates from pork belly sliders and bone marrow to wild halibut and penne bolognese. They are prepared by executive chef Brad Robison of Ladera Ranch, who has also worked at the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach, Tommy Bahama and the Clubhouse. Microbar also offers oyster shooters, angel hair pasta, grilled asparagus, prosciutto wrapped dates and wild Mexican shrimp. The glowing, full-service bar offers six signature martinis, Mai Tais, wine and beer. Food and drinks are all reasonably priced, said Dickus, who added he doesn't believe in happy hour deals or other discounts.

"I think every hour is happy hour," he said.

The restaurant is decorated with a mix of old world and modern style, from chandeliers to mirrors and glass decorations. Dickus has renovated the place by changing the floors, adding new paint, new furniture and sound system and a new bar that can glow in any color we want, he said.

Dickus, who also owns the Italian restaurant Pizza E Vino in Rancho Santa Margarita, grew up in the restaurant business and started by washing dishes when he was 14. He hopes to open more restaurants like Microbar and to also incorporate his wood fired pizzas from Pizza E Vino.

Dickus said it was "gratifying" to see people enjoy his new venue.

"It's a nice feeling," he said. "Everyone who wants the full experience of something they haven't had before should come in."